A Short Escape, A Journey to Remember
Not every memorable journey has to lead to the highest mountains or the most famous destinations. Sometimes, the best adventures are the simple ones, when you have good company, beautiful surroundings, and enough time to slow down, enjoy the road, and truly experience the place around you.
That is exactly what our Chitlang and Markhu trip became.
My good friend Nikesh was visiting Nepal with his beautiful family from France. During their stay, I wanted to take them somewhere close to Kathmandu, but far enough from the city’s noise and busy streets to experience a different side of Nepal, peaceful villages, green hills, farmland, local traditions, and the simple rhythm of countryside life.
We chose Chitlang and Kulekhani (Markhu), two beautiful destinations just a short journey from Kathmandu but with a completely different atmosphere. Over three days, we walked through quiet trails, explored villages and farmland, enjoyed local food, relaxed beside Kulekhani Reservoir, and shared plenty of laughter and stories along the way.
There was no big expedition or challenging summit, just good friends, beautiful places, and time to enjoy the journey. And sometimes, that is all you need to create memories that last a lifetime.
Day 1: Kathmandu to Chandragiri and Walk to Chitlang
We started our journey from Kathmandu and drove toward Thankot, where our adventure became a little more exciting.
From Thankot, we took the Chandragiri Cable Car up toward Chandragiri Hill.
As the cable car climbed above the hills, Kathmandu gradually disappeared below us. The crowded city was replaced by green forests, hills and open landscapes.
After enjoying Chandragiri, we began our walk toward Chitlang.
The trail took us through forest and rural landscapes, with occasional glimpses of farms, local houses and people working in the fields. It was an easy and enjoyable walk, and because we were travelling with family, we took our time.
There was no need to hurry.
We talked, took photographs, enjoyed the fresh air and simply walked.
By the time we reached Chitlang, the atmosphere had completely changed from the busy Kathmandu Valley we had left that morning.
Chitlang welcomed us with its peaceful village surroundings, green hills and traditional rural lifestyle.
We settled in for the night and enjoyed a quiet evening together.
Day 2: Chitlang to Kulekhani and Markhu
After breakfast at our hotel in Chitlang, we set off on foot toward Kulekhani and Markhu. The trail led us through peaceful villages, terraced farmland, and farming communities that supply much of the fresh vegetables to Kathmandu. Walking through the countryside, we enjoyed the simple beauty of rural Nepal and the warm atmosphere of village life.
After reaching Kulekhani, we stopped for a well-deserved momo break before continuing to our resort. Surrounded by green hills and beautiful nature, the resort was the perfect place to relax. After checking in, our whole team enjoyed some time in the swimming pool, cooling off and watching the beautiful sunset over the Kulekhani landscape.
As evening arrived, we enjoyed a delicious dinner together. The peaceful surroundings, shared stories, laughter, and beautiful views made it a memorable evening in Kulekhani and Markhu, a perfect way to slow down and enjoy the quieter side of Nepal.
Day 3: Mohani Jharna and a Fun Tok-Tok Adventure
On our third morning, we set out to explore Mohani Jharna, a beautiful waterfall surrounded by greenery.
But getting there was part of the adventure.
Instead of simply walking the entire way, we travelled by a local TUK-TUK.
The ride itself was fun. The road became increasingly rural, and the landscape around us was wonderfully green.
At one point, we had to cross the river, which made everyone laugh and added a little unexpected adventure to our morning.
Eventually, we reached Mohani Jharna.
The waterfall was surrounded by natural greenery and the refreshing sound of flowing water. We spent some time exploring the area, enjoying nature and taking photographs.
It was not a rushed sightseeing stop. We simply enjoyed being there.
For Nikesh and his family, I think this was one of those experiences that showed a different side of Nepal, less polished, more local and wonderfully connected to nature.
Back to Kathmandu by Local Bus
After exploring Mohani Jharna, we returned toward Markhu and prepared for our journey back to Kathmandu.
This time, we chose to travel by local bus.
It was another simple but memorable part of the journey.
Travelling by local bus meant experiencing Nepal in a more everyday way, sharing the road with local people, passing through villages and watching the hills gradually give way to the Kathmandu Valley.
By the time we reached Kathmandu, our three-day escape had come to an end.
A Small Trip, A Big Memory
Looking back, I realize that what made this trip special was not any single destination, but the beautiful combination of small experiences along the way. From the cable car ride from Thankot and the peaceful walk through the hills to Chitlang, to exploring Kulekhani and relaxing beside the reservoir, every moment added something memorable to the journey.
We enjoyed the comfort of a lovely hotel, spent time together by the swimming pool, and watched the sunset over the peaceful Kulekhani landscape. The adventure continued with a Tok-Tok ride to Mohani Jharna, a short walk across the river, and finally a local bus journey back to Kathmandu. None of these experiences were extraordinary on their own, but together they created a journey full of laughter, discovery, and simple happiness.
Most importantly, it was the people who made the trip truly meaningful. Sharing these moments with my friend Nikesh and his beautiful family from France gave me the chance to see these familiar places through their eyes and create memories that we will all remember for a long time.
Chitlang and Kulekhani may be close to Kathmandu, but sometimes you don't need to travel far to feel far away. You just need good company, an open road, beautiful places, and a little time to enjoy Nepal.
Date: 5th April 2024
